Female on the left and two males on the right Photos by George Wall

Description:  This is considered one of the smallest American ducks in North America. It is only 12-14” in length. The adult males are striking black and white, with iridescent green and purple heads with a large white patch behind the eye. Females are grey-toned with a smaller white patch behind the eye and a light underside

Habitat: They are common on lakes, harbors and bays. They sometimes gather in large flocks.

Diet: These are dabbling ducks and feed on aquatic insects and seeds found in fresh or brackish water.

Range: They range from the north to the south and winter in Mexico. 

Breeding: They are monogamous and nest in tree cavities not too far from the water. They lay anywhere from 6-12 eggs. 

Fascinating Facts: The name Bufflehead is a combination of buffalo and head, referring to the oddly bulbous head shape of the species. This is most noticeable when the male puffs out the feathers on the head, thus greatly increasing the apparent size of the head.

They swallow their food underwater.